# Water-Based Leather Refinishing and Colour-Change Paint

Source: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/

Language: en

Published: 2026-10-26T01:36:20.671Z

Updated: 2026-10-26T01:36:20.671Z

A water-based coloured coating for refurbishing, repairing and recolouring genuine leather and compatible PU leather. Thin, flexible coats restore an even appearance while following the movement of the leather surface.

![White pail of water-based leather refinishing paint](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-white-pail-of-water-based-leather-refinishing-paint-u075.webp)

## Surfaces & applications

Leather upholstery and seats; footwear; bags; genuine-leather and compatible PU-leather refurbishment

## Refresh colour without a rigid film

Source section: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/#detail-1

The coating is intended to cover the original colour and minor surface marks while retaining flexibility. It suits appropriate leather upholstery, seats, shoes, bags and other leather articles. Repair structural damage and remove unstable finishes before recolouring; a new colour coat cannot repair a failed substrate.

![Leather shoes and a car seat before and after refurbishment](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-leather-shoes-and-a-car-seat-before-and-after-refurbishment-u071.webp)

## Genuine leather and PU compatibility

Source section: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/#detail-2

Surface oils, waxes, silicone dressings and existing finishes affect adhesion. Clean and prepare the leather, then trial a small area for colour coverage, adhesion and feel. Severely peeling PU material needs repair or replacement before a coating can provide a reliable finish.

## Controlled spray or brush application

Source section: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/#detail-3

For spraying, add 0–10% purified or deionized water as needed. A 0.8–1.0 mm nozzle and 15–20 cm working distance are recommended. Spray thin cross coats. For brushing or wiping, the paint is normally used without dilution; add no more than 5% water if adjustment is necessary.

## Build colour in thin layers

Source section: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/#detail-4

Usually two or three thin coats give an even finish. Allow each coat to become touch dry, typically 15–30 minutes, before applying the next. A soft brush used in one direction helps reduce brush marks and bubbles. Avoid trying to hide the original colour with one heavy coat.

## Finish with compatible leather protection

Source section: https://leadercoat.com/products/water-based-leather-refinishing-paint/#detail-5

After the final colour coat is fully dry, with a reference waiting time of 2–4 hours, apply one or two compatible water-based leather fixing or protective topcoats. This finishing step improves resistance to wear, scratching and water. Confirm the required appearance and feel on a complete coated sample.

## Product specifications

| Property | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Substrates | Genuine leather and compatible PU leather |
| Pack sizes | 1, 5, 20 and 50 kg |
| Colour and gloss | Custom colours; adjustable matt or gloss finish |
| Solids content | 30% ± 2% |
| Reference adhesion on leather | Grade 0–1 |
| Reference flex resistance | No cracking after 10,000 cycles at −10°C |
| Reference dry / wet rub resistance | Grade ≥4.5 |
| Spray dilution | 0–10% purified or deionized water |
| Brush / wipe dilution | Normally none; up to 5% water if needed |
| Spray nozzle | 0.8–1.0 mm |
| Spray distance | 15–20 cm |
| Colour coats | Usually 2–3 thin coats, 15–30 min between coats when touch dry |

## Application procedure

1. **Clean and prepare**

   Remove dirt, grease and dressing residues; repair defects and establish a clean, stable surface.

2. **Stir and adjust**

   Stir thoroughly. Add water gradually only if needed, within the specified spray or brush range.

3. **Apply colour**

   Spray thin cross coats or brush evenly in one direction. Allow touch drying between the usual two or three coats.

4. **Protect the finish**

   After the colour has dried fully, apply a compatible leather protective topcoat and allow the complete finish to cure before use.

## Product & application gallery

![Water-based leather paint pail with flexible-finish features](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-water-based-leather-paint-pail-with-flexible-finish-features-u074.webp)

Water-based leather paint pail with flexible-finish features

![Leather paint pail with custom-colour and private-label options](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-leather-paint-pail-with-custom-colour-and-private-label-options-u068.webp)

Leather paint pail with custom-colour and private-label options

![Close-up of a brown leather surface with coating properties](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-close-up-of-a-brown-leather-surface-with-coating-properties-u070.webp)

Close-up of a brown leather surface with coating properties

![Leather shoes and a car seat before and after refurbishment](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-leather-shoes-and-a-car-seat-before-and-after-refurbishment-u071.webp)

Leather shoes and a car seat before and after refurbishment

![Spray gun and brush applying leather paint to a car seat](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-spray-gun-and-brush-applying-leather-paint-to-a-car-seat-u067.webp)

Spray gun and brush applying leather paint to a car seat

![Leather coating production equipment and stacked coating pails](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-leather-coating-production-equipment-and-stacked-coating-pails-u069.webp)

Leather coating production equipment and stacked coating pails

![Custom colour swatches for leather refinishing paint](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-custom-colour-swatches-for-leather-refinishing-paint-u073.webp)

Custom colour swatches for leather refinishing paint

![Red and yellow leather finish samples showing colour and texture](https://leadercoat.com/media/p36-red-and-yellow-leather-finish-samples-showing-colour-and-texture-u072.webp)

Red and yellow leather finish samples showing colour and texture

## Samples and ordering

Free samples are available; the customer pays freight. Order quantities depend on the product and pack format, with flexible starting quantities discussed with sales. Typical lead time is 10–20 days after order details are confirmed. OEM and private-label requirements can be discussed with the product specification.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it a clear leather varnish?

No. This is the coloured refinishing paint. A compatible clear or fixing topcoat is a separate finishing step.

### How much water should I add for spraying?

Use 0–10% purified or deionized water, added gradually to suit atomization. Brush application usually needs no dilution.

### Can it repair badly peeling PU leather?

The underlying material must be stable. Repair or replace failed material first; paint does not restore the structure of deteriorated PU.

## Discuss this product

Tell us your application, required format and quantity. We can help select a suitable sample and supply option.

[Inquiry and samples](https://leadercoat.com/contact/)